At an adidas promotion yesterday, Barca ace Lionel Messi and Real's Javier Saviola also backed Villa to join their respective clubs.

With the Spain striker looking sheepishly on, Messi gushed: "Without a doubt he would succeed with Barcelona. He would fit well into the team as he always scores goals."

Not to be outdone, Saviola chimed in: "I'd like to see Villa at Real Madrid. The great players have to be playing for a club like Real Madrid."